2015: The Year of the Hustle

Back in November, after 2 years of shooting mostly families and lifestyle, we decided we were ready to go full time and take on weddings again, for the first time since we have lived here in California. Since we are in a new state since we were last shooting weddings full time, it has felt like starting over. Actually, other than the experience and knowledge that we have brought with us from Utah, we pretty much DID start over.

New brand, new website, new blog, fresh business name…second shooting for other photographers, taking on “exposure” and portfolio work, etc etc. We have put everything we have into social media and blogging…

And for a good 8 months…it was seriously…crickets. There have been some really discouraging, hard days…

But we didn’t give up.

and then….within the last month things have started happening. And it’s been like absolute magic.

In fact, we have a shoot every single day next week! Our calendar is quickly filling and the energy is amping up. But why the sudden change? How?

We started networking, every day. Facebook group meetings, community events, lunch dates, styled shoots. And all of these amazing human beings we have met have been KEY in our success up to this point. They have rushed in and lifted us up, encouraged us, coached us, and even sent clients our way. The wedding industry here is phenomenal. There is a strong sense of community and very little competition. We all know that there is plenty of work to go around and we are happy to lift each other up and serve as we can.

I got a little bit teary-eyed today as I reflected on how far we have been able to come in a short period, because of our peers. We feel so blessed, and so grateful.

Guys, the hustle pays off. Success is rarely overnight. Success, as we are learning, is small but consistent efforts every day. It’s in your daily habits, your mindset and attitude, but most importantly, the people you choose to surround yourself with. We can all lift each other and grow together. All you have to do is put yourself out there. Knock. Ask. Keep going. Don’t quit. You’ve got this!